Dutch constructions of ‘radicalisation’ and P/CVE policies – From the Dutch to the Broad Approach

Together with my colleague Maria Vliek I have published a chapter on the Dutch counterterrorism and counterextremism policies from the 1950s onwards. In this chapter, we trace the Dutch ‘broad approach’ to counterterrorism and extremism by focusing on the interaction between extremist groups, politics, public debate, and the subsequent development of preventing and countering violent extremism (P/CVE) policy and legislation.

Whilst in the 1970s various groups and violent attacks spurred the government to develop new policies addressing the criminal violations within the existing legal framework, after 9/11 and in response to various (inter)national attacks, it was thought necessary to amend legislation in addition to the various preventive policies that were put in place as part of the ‘broad approach’.

This broad approach was developed to address various factors considered ideological and root causes of radicalisation, such as socio-economic or cultural triggers. To unpack the differences in the development of P/CVE policies, this chapter investigates not only the terrorist attacks to which these supposedly responded, but also looks at the groups themselves and their interaction with policies, the public, and governmental bodies.

This chapter is part of Routledge Handbook of Violent Extremism and Resilience edited By Richard McNeil-Willson & Anna Triandafyllidou. We thank the editors for their generosity and skillful work. You can read the chapter and the whole volume HERE.